May 20, 2016 – The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), together with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Council for Refugees and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, hosted a government-sector round table on how best to support the mental health and well-being of refugees in Canada on May 19, 2016, in Ottawa, ON.
This one-day event was convened to lead the exchange of evidence-informed knowledge and promising practices to help provinces and territories respond to the unique mental health needs of the refugees in Canada.
Guided by the recommendations for action to improve mental health services and supports for immigrants, refugees, ethno-cultural and racialized groups in Changing Directions Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, the MHCC is in a unique position to provide organizations working towards a coordinated response for incoming refugees with evidence-informed information and best practices on how to address mental health problems.
Beginning in 2008 with its Diversity Task Group, MHCC has led research and promoted mental health equity for immigrant, refugee, ethno-cultural and racialized (IRER) groups. Later in 2016, MHCC will be releasing the Case for Diversity, which aims to provide provinces, regions, and territories with the information they need to reduce disparities in risk factors and access to mental health services for diverse communities.
To learn more about MHCC’s work in refugee mental health and diversity, please visit: https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/diversity/
ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca | strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Media Contact:
Kate Headley, Manager of Marketing and Communications
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 613.683.3948
Mobile: 613.315.6556
kheadley@mentalhealthcommission.ca
